The R-S-T System

Readability

1- Unreadable.

2- Barely readable, occasional words distinguishable.

3- Readable with considerable difficulty.

4- Readable with practically no difficulty.

5- Perfectly readable.

Signal Strength

1- Faint signals, barely perceptible.

2- Very weak signals.

3- Weak signals.

4- Fair signals.

5- Fairly good signals.

6- Good signals.

7- Moderately strong signals.

8- Strong signals.

9- Extremely strong signals.

Tone

1- Sixty cycle AC or less, very rough and broad.

2- Very rough AC, very harsh and broad.

3- Rough AC tone, rectified but not filtered.

4- Rough note, some trace of filtering.

5- Filtered rectified AC but strongly ripple-modulated.

6- Filtered tone, definite trace of ripple modulation.

7- Near pure tone, trace of ripple modulation.

8- Near perfect tone, slight trace of modulation.

9- Perfect tone, no trace of ripple or modulation of any kind.

If the signal has the characteristic steadiness of crystal control, add the letter X to the RST report. If there is a chirp, the letter C may be added to so indicate. Similarly, for a click, add K. The above reporting system is used on both CW and voice, leaving out the "tone" report on voice.

To: All Radio Amateurs:

Signal reporting is a courtesy, not an FCC requirement. It is a such a common courtesy that every amateur has a space for it in his log and on his QSL card. It is the information most sought in practically any QSO.

The system outlined above has achieved universal acceptance among CW operators, and is being more and more widely used by voice operators.

Be honest! If there is something wrong with the signal of the other station, tell him so, because he wants to know, just as you want to know if there is something wrong with yours. Make reports worthwhile, honest and informative. Use the definitions!

The American Radio Relay League, INC.